Advice on Transitioning to Homeschooling: Pros, Cons, and Starting Points

[anotherslaveofchrist]

Home ed family here. 2 children age 9 and 11 both went to school and then removed.
We love it. Wish we had done it from the start. My children have a close group of friends of all ages. Good family connections and meet new people pretty much everyday from all over the world, different lifestyles and cultures etc.
We do not follow the curriculum and are child/interest lead. (I hear the grumbles!) But honestly it works! We do structured learning for maths and English but again this is our own 'curriculum' and is life skills and interest based.
My children both have Sen and we have the full support and encouragement of all their professionals involved and all see how amazing it has been for our children.
Currently we are actually traveling/back packing Europe for 6 weeks! Learning cultures, countries, cooking, life skills, history, geography, languages, communication, self care, money/budgeting and so so so much more.
Our day to days are normally not quite so exciting but my 9yr old son is incredible with computers, coding and science.
My daughter loves art, dance, cooking, animals, nature and growing food etc.
They both have their own projects, things they are working towards and interests.
As a home ed mum I feel my role is to support, encourage and provide experience and opportunities but most of all we just live life.
There are all kinds of different ways to home ed and it is constantly evolving day by day. There is no set way or best way just your way. Good luck on your journey.

 

[zurnmedley]

Personally my daughter who is just 10 has forged some really good friendships and is enjoying school so why would I take her out of that situation un-necessarily? Why do you want to home school?

 

[military_man]

@zurnmedley No body is telling YOU to Home educate
School is an option. Not compulsory. Suits some kids and doesn't suit others.

 

[zurnmedley]

@military_man The original poster seemed to be questioning it and looking for opinions. Therefore I gave mine. Of course I understand it is not for everyone, and if her children are not suiting that then of course HS is also an option.

 

[vasiliaskid]

@zurnmedley that's exactly how I read your post. Helpful questions to consider.

 

[darkersidedjewel]

For all information about what home education actually is and what it entails please ask those who are actually home educating and NOT doing guess work and what they THINK home education is or should be.
Home Education For All - HEFA Information page
Those who know nothing about home education who would like to learn and well should be willing to learn more follow the page and you might not be so judgemental!
Yes home education (preffered term) has become more popular in the last few years.
NO it's not a safeguarding issue.
NO you don't need to be a teacher or be academic. YOU just need to be willing to Learn alongside your child (it's a journey not a race)
Yes the can do exams should they wish and alot do from 12yrs not all in one go at 15/16 due to the cost we have to pay.
No we don't have to follow the curriculum, we can make our own up if required.
Yes children learn literacy and numeracy and they get to follow and find their passions.
Not everyone can and do a good job of home educating but this can also be said about school and some teachers.
If you want to home ed you really need to read the guidance and home education groups information.

 

[hornsawn]

Start at Education Otherwise website and here. So helpful!
Totally possible, best thing we ever did. Xx

 

[soldoutsaint]

Thank you everyone! There are many reasons why I am considering this, both for me personally and for reasons surrounding both my school age children. I have followed advise and joined some of the groups suggested. We will not take this decision lightly, my husband and I will make sure we research EVERYTHING before making a decision. I am turning comments off now. Thanks again x